AH, work-life balance, that elusive unicorn we all chase in the modern-day savannah of our lives. It’s like trying to find a comfortable position on an economy flight—seemingly impossible, yet endlessly pursued. We are told to lean in, but not too far lest we fall over. We are encouraged to hustle, yet reminded to stop and smell the roses—which, by the way, are now available in a convenient aerosol can for those too busy to find an actual garden.

Let’s ponder the term “work-life balance” for a moment. It implies a scale, perfectly poised with work on one side and life on the other. But who can maintain such a precarious position? One unexpected email, and suddenly you are doing acrobatics to keep from toppling over. It’s less of a balance and more of a juggling act, where the balls are made of responsibilities, hobbies, and the occasional Netflix binge.

Consider the modern office, a place where “open plan” has come to mean “no escape”. Your boss can now see you from across the room, making those covert social media checks all the more thrilling. And let’s not forget the symphony of typing, phone calls and the guy who eats celery like it’s his job. It’s a wonder we get anything done amid the cacophony of productivity.

But then there is life—the part of the equation that is supposed to be all about relaxation and joy. Except, life has its own set of demands. Gym memberships that mock us with their unused potential, social events that require the energy we left at the office, and hobbies that have started to feel suspiciously like second jobs. We are in a constant state of toggling between tasks, trying to squeeze in a semblance of leisure between the cracks of our calendars.

And yet, despite the chaos, there is something beautiful about the hustle. It’s in the small victories, like leaving work on time or turning off your phone for an hour of peace. It’s in the moments of connection, when we actually look up from our screens and engage with the world around us. It is in the realisation that balance is not about perfection; it’s about finding harmony in the discord.

So, as we navigate the tightrope of our daily routines, let’s embrace the imbalance. Let’s celebrate the small wins and laugh at the absurdity of it all. Because at the end of the day, work-life balance is not a destination; it’s a journey—one that is best travelled with a sense of humour and the occasional detour into the ridiculous. And who knows? Maybe along the way, we will find that the unicorn is not so mythical after all. - Kumbirai Thierry Nhamo

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